Taking Time To Relax. NOMMA’s Technical Affairs Team works to ensure that the industry is fairly represented with various government and nongovernment regulatory bodies. Pictured here is a group of NOMMA technical team representatives and local members, who took time out for a dinner social after the Detroit CTC meeting in 2005.
provided an understanding of what needs to be included in the codes each year and what does not.” The main benefit to volunteering, obviously, is that it’s an opportunity to have input on code decisions. Zuzik says if we are not in the mix of it at all times, a meaningless code can be adopted and stay for 10 years. “When I started, I never realized how long it took a code to come into play,” he said. “New York is now adopting 2010 building codes that are based on 2003 ICC codes. A lot of what we did in the early 2000’s is just trickling in now, so NOMMA needs to stay focused to overcome dated code approvals.” Rick Ralston, co-president and owner of Feeney Architectural Products in Portland, OR, joined the committee last year in an effort to learn the code requirements for the products he sells. Since the late 1980s, Ralston has supplied building materials to the residential and commercial marketplace, and being a committee volunteer has allowed him an inside view of code details, history, and politics, as well as the inner workings of the people involved. “It has been an awakening experience for me, and through this process, I am redesigning some of my products to better meet the intent of the code,” said Ralston. “I personally have a much better understanding of how the codes Fabricator n March/April 2010
are interpreted, and I am in awe of Tom’s knowledge. He is a great resource to our industry.” The ICC Final Action Hearings take place May 14–23 in Dallas, where the committee will vote on comments to the last round of code decisions. Any public comments on those codes were due on February 8, 2010. The codes are split up into those that have been challenged and those that have not. Obviously, those not challenged will be passed, but those that have been will require further discussion. This is where Zuzik and his fellow volunteers come in.
“I truly believe that every member at some point should volunteer for a stint on this committee,” said Zuzik. “What your company will gain in knowledge will far outweigh any detriment, tenfold.” When asked about his plans for the future, Zuzik said he plans to act as NOMMA’s code representative for as long as there is a technical team and as long as he has his family business. “My father will retire in a few years, and I plan to keep our company going,” he said. “I enjoy doing this and working on the codes, and the industry has a great need for it.” Go Tom!
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